Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South Fiona O’Loughlin has confirmed that the emergency works application for Curragh Community College has progressed this week, with pricing reports due to be submitted to the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
The Senator said the architects’ report, which includes pricing from roofing contractors, will be submitted to KWETB by Tuesday February 3rd. KWETB is expected to submit the completed application, along with the report, to the Department of Education on Wednesday February 4th.
The Department is already aware of the application and is ready to move forward once it is received.
The update comes just days after the Department of Education announced the inclusion of Curragh Community College among nine school building projects in Kildare under the Education Sectoral Plan.
The plan includes a new school building for Curragh Community College with capacity for 1,000 pupils and provision for special educational needs. The schools included in the plan are scheduled to progress to tender and or construction in 2026 and 2027.
Speaking on the development Senator O’Loughlin said:
“I welcome that the project is progressing, but we cannot ignore the reality on the ground. Immediate emergency works are needed to make the existing building fit for purpose while the new school moves towards construction.
“The fact that the application for emergency works is progressing swiftly is a positive sign, but momentum must be maintained.
“I have recently called on the Minister for Education to visit the school with me so she can see first-hand how urgent these repair works are. That invitation stands.
“We need to get emergency works completed and I will continue to make the case to the Department and the Minister that this happens sooner rather than later.
“At the heart of this is staff and student safety, ensuring that they have the adequate facilities they deserve to learn and work.”
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